London: Former Test umpire David Shepherd has expressed serious concerns over the shrinking elite panel, saying it could cause the burn-out among the top level officials.

Shepherd's concern came in the wake of Mark Benson suffering heart palpitations at Kingsmead just 20 minutes after the start of play during the second Test between India and South Africa and spending two nights in intensive care in a Durban hospital.

The 48-year-old Benson, who was standing in the third match within a period of one month, was appointed to the elite panel in April this year and was officiating in his 14th Test as sacking of Darrell Hair reduced the ICC's elite umpires panel to nine, increasing the pressure on the remaining officials.

"It is tough for the players because they are playing high-grade cricket all the time and careers will not last as long as they did. I can see the same thing happening with umpires. There will be umpire burn-out," Shephered said.

"The guys are under so much scrutiny. Television is so good these days and so intrusive. There are 20 cameras at a game and that puts the umpires under so much pressure," he was quoted as saying by the 'Daily Telegraph'.

Shepherd, who retired in June last year after standing in 92 Tests, said there was a need to expand the panel but felt ICC would not back the move because of the cost.

"The number of umpires should be increased for the panel. (In fact) the umpires are sponsored by an airline aren't they? With independent umpires you are always away from home. The players at least get to play in Test matches at home but umpires are travelling all the time," he said.